| Valuation method | Value, $ | Upside, % |
|---|---|---|
| Artificial intelligence (AI) | 41.92 | 546 |
| Intrinsic value (DCF) | 2.18 | -66 |
| Graham-Dodd Method | 4.21 | -35 |
| Graham Formula | 76.14 | 1073 |
Virtus Total Return Fund Inc. (NYSE: ZTR) is a closed-end balanced mutual fund managed by Virtus Investment Partners, offering investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of U.S. equities and fixed-income securities. Formerly known as The Zweig Total Return Fund, the fund employs a growth-at-a-reasonable-price (GARP) strategy, targeting large-cap stocks and investment-grade bonds. With a benchmark comprising 60% Russell Developed Large Cap Index and 40% Bloomberg Barclays U.S. Aggregate Bond Index, ZTR provides a balanced approach to income and capital appreciation. The fund is actively managed by Virtus Investment Advisers, Kayne Anderson Rudnick, and Newfleet Asset Management, leveraging their expertise in multi-sector asset allocation. Operating in the competitive asset management sector, ZTR appeals to income-focused investors with its $0.60 annual dividend per share and a market cap of approximately $339 million. Its hybrid strategy positions it as a flexible investment vehicle in volatile markets.
Virtus Total Return Fund (ZTR) presents a balanced investment proposition with its hybrid equity-bond strategy, appealing to risk-averse investors seeking steady income and moderate growth. The fund’s $82.6M net income and $1.32 diluted EPS reflect solid performance, though its 1.015 beta indicates market sensitivity. A key attraction is its $0.60 dividend, offering a yield that may appeal to income investors. However, the fund’s $168.3M debt load and reliance on active management introduce risks, including interest rate sensitivity and potential underperformance versus passive alternatives. Investors should weigh its diversified approach against higher-fee active management and market volatility.
Virtus Total Return Fund (ZTR) competes in the crowded closed-end fund (CEF) space by blending equity and fixed-income exposure, differentiating itself through active management and a GARP-focused equity strategy. Its multi-manager approach—combining Virtus, Kayne Anderson Rudnick, and Newfleet—adds depth to asset allocation but may lead to higher fees compared to passive ETFs. The fund’s 60/40 benchmark alignment mirrors traditional balanced funds, but its active tilt could either outperform or lag in shifting rate environments. ZTR’s modest $339M market cap limits scale advantages versus larger CEFs, and its 1.015 beta suggests near-market volatility. Competitors with lower expense ratios or pure-play strategies (e.g., equity-only or high-yield bond CEFs) may appeal to more targeted investors. ZTR’s edge lies in its hybrid flexibility, but its success hinges on manager skill in navigating interest rate and equity market risks.